Description :

A new season opens for the RBS Six Nations Tournament, a famous rugby union competition that sees six national teams compete each year: France, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Italy.

The origins of this competition go back to the late nineteenth century. England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland competed regularly, and then France joined the competition in 1910. It was then the Five Nations. In 2000 the addition of Italy into the competition brought the number of nations to 6.

A prestigious competition on the rugby calendar, the Six Nations Tournament appealing in its simplicity: all teams will compete and victories will earn the winning team two points. England is so far the nation with the most Grand Slams under its belt.

In 2012, the tournament opens in Paris with France - Italy. Who will dethrone England, winner of the Tournament in 2011?

Also see

• Current events in the category Sport